Cleansing and distinfecting compositions, including bleaching agents, and sponges and other applicators incorporating the same

ABSTRACT

A cleansing and disinfecting composition comprising an alkaline per-salt and a positively charged phase-transfer agent and absorbent materials, such as sponges, impregnated therewith. The composition preferably also contains one or more surfactants. The alkaline per-salt is an alkaline water-soluble salt having hydrogen peroxide of crystallization. The positively charged phase-transfer agent is preferably a quaternary ammonium salt. The composition may be formulated as a cream, a bulk powder, a solution or tablets. It ay also be incorporated in wipes, sponges and brushes. In one embodiment, one surface of the impregnated sponge is an abrasive material. The compositions of this invention find utility in health care, as disinfectants in surgical applications, and as cleansing and decontaminating agents. Specific uses include skin cleansing and disinfecting, treatment for exposure to toxic plants such as poison ivy, treatment for exposure to industrial and agricultural chemicals such as herbicides and pesticides, and cleansing and disinfecting surfaces and sensitive equipment. The impregnated sponges may be stored indefinitely and activated by the addition of water. They are adapted to being dispensed for on-the-spot use as stain or spot removers and may include bleaching or whitening agents.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 886,171 filed on July 16, 1986, the contents ofwhich are incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to cleansing and disinfecting compositions whichfind utility in health care, as disinfectants in surgical applicationsand as decontaminating agents, and particularly, to cleansing spongesincorporating such cleansing and disinfecting compositions. Thecleansing sponges of this invention find particular utility as spot andstain removers and exhibit a number of advantages overpresently-available liquid detergents and stain removers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There is a constant need for cleansing and disinfecting compositions foruse in the health care field, as disinfectants in surgical applicationsand as decontaminating agents. For example, in the health care fieldthere is a need for cleansers and skin exfoliants, antiviral agents,fungicides and bactericides for the treatment and control of suchdisorders as acne, athlete's foot and dandruff. There is also a need fortopical products to give relief to those suffering from insect stings,poison ivy and poison oak. In the surgical field, a need exists forsoaps and impregnated sponges for cleansing and disinfecting the skin ofsurgeons and patients. A need also exists for disinfectant solutions forcleansing and disinfecting the skin as well as for the disinfecting ofsurgical instruments. Among household and industrial needs arecleansers, algicides for swimming pools, decontaminating agents forpesticide and chemical spills, and stain and spot removers that may beused on a wide variety of substrates. A particular need exists forsponges impregnated with a cleansing and disinfecting composition, andwhich can be readily activated merely by the addition of water.

There are many cleansing and disinfecting agents currently in use.However, most of these agents suffer from one or more deficiencies. Thedeficiencies, one or more of which are exhibited by many currently usedcleansing and disinfecting agents, include skin irritation; offensive orirritating odor and inhalation toxicity; corrosiveness toward metal;fabrics and painted surfaces; lack of stability; and low level ofefficacy.

The prior art also includes U.S. Pat. No. 2,917,428, which discloses anaqueous disinfecting composition containing a quaternary ammoniumhalide, hydrogen peroxide and acetate salts of saturted acyclic amines,which are slightly acidic. Since the aqueous medium must be alkaline,e.g., having a pH equal to or greater than ca. 9.5 before a proton canbe extracted from hydrogen peroxide to a significant extent, i.e.,approximately half ionized, the compositions in U.S. Pat. No. 2,917,428cannot form the quaternary ammonium hydroperoxide phase-transfer complexwhich is critical to the instant invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The cleansing and disinfecting compositions of this invention exhibit anumber of improvements over prior art compositions. The components ofthe cleansing and disinfecting compositions of this invention arereadily available and relatively inexpensive. The compositions of thisinvention are not irritating to the skin or absorbed through the skin ormucous membranes. They do not have an offensive or irritating odor andare, in fact, non-volatile. Moreover, the compositions are not corrosivetoward metals, fabrics or painted surfaces and are, in many instances,anti-corrosive. In addition, the compositions exhibit a high level ofefficacy as rapid cleansing and disinfecting agents and have excellentstability characteristics.

Absorbent materials such as sponges having incorporated therein thecleansing and disinfecting compositions of this invention find utilityin cleansing and disinfecting the skin of, for example, surgeons andpatients, as well as in cleansing and disinfecting various surfaces inneed thereof. The impregnated sponges are effective against a largenumber of stains, may be stored almost indefinitely and may be activatedby the addition of water. They are thus portable and accordingly lendthemselves to being dispensed in hotel rooms, restaurants, laundryestablishments, travel kits, clothing stores, fabric and sewing stores,and by airlines. The impregnated sponges of this invention may, ifdesired, have an abrasive surface.

It is therefore an object of this invention to provide improvedcleansing and disinfecting compositions.

It is another object of this invention to provide cleansing anddisinfecting compositions made from readily available and relativelyinexpensive components.

It is still another object of this invention to provide cleansing anddisinfecting compositions that are not irritating to the skin.

It is yet another object of this invention to provide cleansing anddisinfecting compositions that do not have an offensive or irritatingodor.

Another object of this invention is to provide cleansing anddisinfecting compositions that are not corrosive toward metals, fabricsor painted surfaces.

Still another object of this invention is to provide highly efficaciousand rapid cleansing and disinfecting compositions.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide cleansing anddisinfecting compositions having excellent stability characteristics.

It is still another object of this invention to provide spongesimpregnated with (or otherwise suitably incorporating) the cleansing anddisinfecting compositions of this invention.

It is yet still another object of this invention to provide spongescontaining a bleaching and/or whitening agent.

Another object of this invention is to provide sponges impregnated withthe cleansing and disinfecting compositions of this invention andwherein said sponges have an abrasive surface.

The foregoing and other objects are accomplished by the practice of thisinvention. Broadly, viewed in one of its principal aspects, thisinvention consists of an absorbent material impregnated with a cleansingand disinfecting composition, said composition comprising an alkalinewater-soluble salt having hydrogen peroxide of crystallization and apositively charged phase- transfer agent.

The foregoing cleansing and disinfecting composition and absorbentmaterials impregnated therewith may be used in a method to cleanse ordisinfect a substrate in need thereof comprising contacting saidsubstrate with an aqueous solution of an alkaline water-soluble salthaving hydrogen peroxide of crystallization and a positively chargedphase-transfer agent or with a wet absorbent material impregnated withan alkaline water-soluble salt having hydrogen peroxide ofcrystallization and a positively charged phase-transfer agent.

The instant invention thus provides cleansing and disinfectingcompositions as well as sponges impregnated with said cleansing anddisinfecting compositions that find utility in health care, asdisinfectants in surgical applications and as effective cleansing anddecontaminating agents useful on a broad spectrum of substrates. Thecompositions of this invention are characterized by not being irritatingto the skin, by not having an offensive or irritating odor, by not beingcorrosive, by having excellent stability, and by being rapid and highlyeffective cleansing and disinfecting agents. Sponges having incorporatedtherein the compositions of this invention are characterized by thetimed release of the active ingredients and by the ability to provideeffective activity with repeated use. The impregnated sponges of thisinvention have a long shelf life, may be activated by the addition ofwater, and are effective against a wide variety of stains.

The nature and substance of the present invention as well as its objectsand advantages will be more clearly perceived and fully understood byreferring to the following description and claims taken in connectionwith the accompanying drawings which are described briefly below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a graph showing the timed release of peroxide from a spongecontaining a cleansing composition of the invention which is subjectedto a series of water washings.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a sponge having incorporated therein acleansing and disinfecting composition of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a sponge having incorporated therein acleansing and disinfecting composition of the invention and wherein onesurface of said sponge is a porous abrasive.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The cleansing and disinfecting compositions of this invention are thuscharacterized by having broad utility, for example, in health care, asdisinfectants in surgical applications and as cleansing anddecontaminating agents. The compositions of this invention comprise analkaline water-soluble salt having hydrogen peroxide of crystallizationand a positively charged phase-transfer agent. Depending on the intendeduse, the compositions of this invention may also contain variousadditives. For example, the compositions may advantageously contain asurfactant. The compositions may also contain peroxide activators suchas enzymes, iodides, and hemin; perfumes such as rose oil; dyes such asfluorescein; emolients such as lanolin and glycol derivatives; gellingagents such as carboxymethyl cellulose; clays such as kaolinite,attapulgite and bentonite; and metal peroxides such as calcium peroxide.Examples of suitable enzymes are horseradish peroxidase, lactoperoxidaseand myeloperoxidase. Activators also include organic per acid formation;e.g., penta acetyl glucose and tetra acetyl ethylenediamine.

The compositions of this invention may be compounded in various formssuitable for particular end uses. Thus, the compositions may beformulated as creams, bulk powders, tablets, soaps, and solutions. Inaddition, they may be incorporated into wipes, sponges and brushes. Inone embodiment of the invention, the sponge containing the cleansing anddisinfecting composition may have an abrasive surface.

The per-salts used in the practice of this invention are alkalinewater-soluble salts having hydrogen peroxide of crystalization or formsperoxide upon dissociation. When the salts are dissolved in water,peroxide ion is released. Examples of suitable per-salts arepercarbonates, perborates, persilicates and perphosphates associatedwith a cation that will give an alkaline water-soluble salt. Examples ofsuitable cations are the alkali metals. Especially preferred is sodiumpercarbonate having the empirical formula 2Na₂ CO₃.3H₂ O₂, sodiumpercarbonate having the hydrogen peroxide of crystallization.

It should be noted that per-salts alone are excellent disinfectants andare superior to hydrogen peroxide in this regard. Hydrogen peroxide is aweak disinfectant and has poor permeability into bacteria. On the otherhand, when a per-salt is dissolved in water and liberates hydrogenperoxide, the alkaline salt extracts a proton from the liberatedhydrogen peroxide forming the hydroperoxide ion. The hydroperoxide ion,in contrast to hydrogen peroxide, is a strong disinfectant and isreadily permeable into bacteria.

The positively charged phase-transfer agent may be a phosphonium saltsuch as t-butyl phosphonium iodide, a sulfonium salt such as tributylsulfonium chloride, or a quaternary ammonium salt. The choice of thepositively charged phase-transfer agent is critical. The choice of thecounter anion of the positively charged phase-transfer agent is notcritical in this regard. The hydrocarbyl groups attached to thephosphorous, sulfur or nitrogen must contain a total number of carbonssuch that the compound is water-soluble but yet has sufficientlipophilic character to permit it to pass from the aqueous phase into anon-polar oil (or organic) phase. The compounds become disinfecting asthey become lipophilic.

The hydrocarbyl groups that may be attached to the phosphorous, sulfuror nitrogen may be aliphatic aromatic, naphthenic, alkaryl or aralkylgroups. The aliphatic groups may be saturated, olefinic or acetylenic.Examples of suitable aliphatic groups are methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl,vinyl and ethynyl. A suitable aromatic group is phenyl. Suitablealicyclic tolyl groups are cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl andcyclohexyl groups. Benzyl and phenethyl groups are suitable aralkylgroups. Suitable alkaryl groups are tolyl and xylyl groups.

The preferred positively charged phase-transfer agents are quaternaryammonium salts having hydrocarbyl groups totaling approximately 6 to ca.30, and preferably ca. 8 to approximately 25, carbons on the quaternarynitrogen. The number of carbons on the nitrogen of the quaternaryammonium salt, as mentioned, is critical. The quaternary ammonium saltmust not only be water-soluble but it must also possess sufficientlipophilic character to permit it to pass from the aqueous phase into anoil (or organic) phase. As mentioned above, when the alkaline saltcontaining hydrogen peroxide of crystallization is dissolved in anaqueous solution of a positively charged phase-transfer agent such as aquaternary ammonium salt, the alkaline salt extracts a proton from thehydrogen peroxide, leaving the negatively charged hydroperoxide ion. Thehydroperoxide ion then becomes associated with the quaternary ammoniumion and its negative charge is effectively neutralized:

    R.sub.4 N.sup.+ +O.sub.2 H.sup.- →[R.sub.4 N.sup.+- O.sub.2 H].

The resultant lipophilic quaternary ammonium hydroperoxide may then passfrom the aqueous phase into an oil, or organic, phase where thehydroperoxide ion may exert its disinfecting and decontaminatingeffects. While quaternary ammonium salts are disinfectants anddecontmminants themselves, these properties are enhanced synergisticallywhen they are combined with a per-salt.

In the practice of this invention, a singly or doubly positively chargedphase-transfer agent or a mixture of positively charged phase-transferagents may be used. The preferred positively charged phase-transferagents are quaternary ammonium salts wherein two of the hydrocarbylgroups attached to the nitrogen are alkyl groups of one to about threecarbons, aralkyls such as a benzyl group, or any combination thereof.The remaining two hydrocarbyl groups are long chain aliphatic groupssuch that the total carbons on the nitrogen are not in excess of about30, and preferably not in excess of about 25. Particularly suitablepositively charged phase-transfer agents are didecyl dimethyl ammoniumchloride (DDDM), tetradecyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride("DIBACTOL", manufactured by Huntington Laboratories, Inc.), tetrabutylammonium hydrogen sulfate, and mixtures thereof.

While the cleansing and disinfecting compositions of this invention donot require a surfactant, preferred compositions contain one or moresurfactants. The surfactant disperses the material to be cleansed ordisinfected, thus increasing its surface area and enhancing its contactby the quaternary ammonium hydroperoxide as well as favoring itstransfer into a non-polar phase.

The surfactant used in the compositions of this invention may be anonionic surfactant, an anionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant, ormixtures thereof. Examples of suitable nonionic surfactants are linearalkoxylates such as "TRITON X-100" (manufactured by Rohm and Haas); analkylphenol ethoxylate such as "ICONOL OP-10" (manufactured by BASFWyandotte Corp.); and polyoxypropylene-polyoxyethylene block copolymer,such as "PLURONIC F68LF" (manufactured by BASF Wyandotte Corp.). Anexample of a suitable anionic surfactant is sodium lauryl sulfate.Examples of suitable cationic surfactants are dodecyl ammonium chlorideand cetyl dimethyl benzylammonium chloride.

A water-soluble, non-volatile, non-flammable glycol ether solvent suchas butyl carbitol may be added in the range of five to forty percent(5%-40%) with optimum at fifteen percent (15%) to assist in dissolvingand emulsifying non-polar phases, such as oils and greases.

A preferred composition of this invention contains, in addition to theper-salt, the positively charged phase-transfer agent and thesurfactant, a clay or mixture of clays. It has been found that claysspread the material to be decontaminated over a large area, increasingits surface, and they also have the unique property of absorbing andalso activating hydrogen peroxide and hydroperoxide ion to form freeradicals such as the hydroxy radical and hydroperoxy radical which passinto the oil phase without need for a phase-transfer agent. Preferredclays in the compositions of this invention are kaolinite, attapulgite,bentonite and mixtures thereof.

It has been found that desirable rheological properties are obtainedwhen kaolinite, attapulgite and bentonite are mixed in certainproportions. When water or an aqueous solution, such as an aqueoussolution of a per-salt and a positively charged phase-transfer agent, isadded to such a mixture of clay, the desired rheological properties areobtained. The mixtures of clay comprise ca. 40% to 85% by weight ofkaolinite, approximately 10% to 75% by weight of attapulgite, andapproximately 1% to 15% by weight of bentonite. Preferred is a mixtureof approximately 50% by weight of kaolinite, ca. 40% by weight ofattapulgite and approximately 10% by weight of bentonite. Such mixturesmay be mixed with sufficient water or an aqueous solution to give asmooth, creamy composition having an Atterberg Number (plasticity index)within the range of approximately 15 to 75 with an Atterberg Number ofca. 30 being preferred.

The cleansing and disinfecting compositions of this invention broadlycontain approximately 10% to 90% by weight of alkaline water-solublesalt containing hydrogen peroxide of crystallization, and preferablyapproximately 20% to 77% by weight of alkaline water-soluble saltcontaining hydrogen peroxide of crystallization. The compositions of theinvention contain a positively charged phase-transfer agent in the broadrange of from a fraction of a percent to approximately 30% by weight,and preferably in the range of approximately 1% to 23% by weight. Theamount of surfactant in the compositions of the invention, if asurfactant is present, is broadly within the range of approximately0.25% to 20% by weight, and preferably within the range of approximately1% to 15.1% by weight.

A preferred composition of this invention contains, in addition to thealkaline water-soluble salt containing hydrogen peroxide ofcrystallization, the positively charged phase-transfer agent and thesurfactant, a clay or mixture of clays. The amount of clay in thecomposition may broadly be in the range of approximatelyl 20% to 75% byweight. A preferred range is ca. 35% to 55% by weight of clay.

In addition to the foregoing, the compositions of the invention maycontain other additives such as perfumes, dyes, enzymes, metal peroxidesand emolients.

Thus, the instant invention provides improved cleansing and disinfectingcompositions that are characterized by a number of advantages overcleansing and disinfecting compositions of the prior art. Not only arethe compositions of this invention comprised of readily available andrelatively inexpensive components, but the compositions are notirritating to the skin or absorbed through the skin or mucous membranes.They do not have an offensive odor and are, in fact, non-volatile. Inaddition, the compositions are effective against a wide variety ofstains and are noncorrosive and, in many instances, anti-corrosive. Theyalso exhibit a high level of efficacy as rapid cleansing anddisinfecting agents due to the synergistic interaction of thecomponents. Moreover, the compositions have excellent stability.

The cleansing and disinfecting compositions of this invention findutility in health care, as disinfectants in surgical applications and ascleansing and decontaminating agents. Depending on the intended use andthe substrate on which they are to be used, the compositions may beformulated as creams, bulk powders, tablets, soaps, and solutions. Thecompositions may also be incorporated into absorbent materials such aswipes, brushes and sponges.

When the cleansing and disinfecting compositions of this invention areincorporated into an absorbent material, the choice of absorbentmaterial may vary broadly depending on the intended use. Thus, forcleansing the skin, the cleansing and disinfecting composition may beincorporated into a cotton pad, a fabric pad or a sponge. For cleansingsurfaces other than the skin, it is advantageous to incorporate thecleansing and disinfecting composition into a sponge. It is oftendesirable, but not essential, that the sponge have an abrasive surface.

There are presently available on the market a number of liquiddetergents and solvent-based cleansers. However, these products have anumber of deficiencies which are overcome by the impregnated sponges ofthe instant invention. For example, presently-available liquiddetergents and solvent-based cleansers are not readily portable andtherefore do not lend themselves to on-the-spot use or to being readilydispensed for on-the-spot use. Moreover, they are effective against onlya limited variety of stains.

These deficiencies are overcome by the instant impregnated sponges. Thecleansing and disinfecting compositions with which the sponges areimpregnated are essentially dry. The impregnated sponges may thereforebe packaged and stored almost indefinitely. They are activated for useby the addition of a solvent, most commonly water. They therefore lendthemselves to being dispensed for instant use in hotel rooms,restaurants, laundry establishments, travel kits, clothing stores,fabric and sewing stores, and by airlines. Moreover, they are effectivefor the removal of stains such as mustard, tea, coffee, inks, dyes,blood stains, vegetable colors, juices, lipstick, dirt, grease, and oil,many of which are not removed by presently-available liquid detergentsand solvents. The cleansing action of the impregnated sponges isattributable to the synergistic interaction of the components of thecleansing and disinfecting compositions along with the physicalscrubbing action of the device.

The size and shape of the impregnated sponge is not critical and willvary according to its intended use. For example, the sponge may be oval,spherical, circular, square or rectangular in shape. Impregnated spongesfor use on the skin will advantageously be relatively small while thoseintended for use on surfaces other than the skin will usually be larger.

The sponge itself may, for example, be natural sponge, expandedcellulose or a polymeric foam such as polyurethane foam. The sponge may,if desired, be colored.

While not essential, it is often desirable that at least one surface ofthe sponge be abrasive. This may be accomplished by cementing a porousabrasive material to at least one surface of the sponge.

The cleansing and disinfecting compositions of this invention may beincorporated into the absorbent material in a number of ways. Forexample, a cloth or cotton pad or a sponge may be impregnated with asolution of the cleansing and disinfecting composition and the solventthen allowed to evaporate. Alternatively, a sponge may be cut open andan interior pocket formed. The pocket is then filled with the drycleansing and disinfecting composition and the incisions in the spongesealed with a cement. The sponge is impregnated with a small amount of asolvent, which may have dissolved therein an additive such as asurfactant, to thereby disperse the cleansing and disinfectingcomposition homogeneously throughout the sponge. The solvent is thenallowed to evaporate. The impregnated absorbent material is activatedfor use by being contacted with a solvent such as water.

The absorbent material may be impregnated with any cleansing anddisinfecting composition coming within the scope of this invention.Usually, the absorbent material, e.g., sponge, will be impregnated withthe maximum amount of cleansing and disinfecting composition that can beincorporated therein. Thus, the impregnated sponge may be usedrepeatedly, releasing an effective amount of the cleansing anddisinfecting composition with each use.

In use, the impregnated absorbent material of this invention, forexample, a sponge having incorporated therein the cleansing anddisinfecting composition, is activated by means of a suitable solvent.The preferred solvent is water. Thus, the sponge is wet with water andused to wipe or scrub the contaminated surface. The sponge isoccasionally rinsed with water as needed until the area to be treatedhas been cleansed or disinfected.

The efficacy of the impregnated sponges of the invention may be testedby use on a suitable stained test substrate. A one inch square of, forexample, cotton, linen, nylon or silk has one quarter square inchthereof stained with one of the foregoing stains. A small impregnatedsponge is treated with enough water, about 5 ml., to dissolve thecleansing and disinfecting composition and the sponge is squeezed toaffect dissolution thereof. The test substrate is then scrubbed with thewet impregnated sponge.

In use, the stain or spot is scrubbed with the wet sponge and allowed toremain wet for about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the stain. Thetreated area is then rinsed with water. For colored fabrics such asneckties, the entire surface should be scrubbed to prevent theappearance of a clean spot against a dirty background. The stained areais observed visually for the presence or absence of the stain or spot.The stain remover in the impregnated sponge has the advantage overbleach in that it is not corrosive, toxic, deleterious to sensitive dyesand fabrics, and is readily removed by rinsing. Moreover, it leaves noresidue.

The invention will be most clearly perceived and best understood throughreference to the preferred embodiments as discussed in further detail inconnection with the drawings. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 is arectangularly shaped sponge 10 impregnated with the cleansing anddisinfecting composition of the invention. It will be understood thatthe sponge may be circular, spherical, oval or square in shape. The sizeof the sponge will vary according to its intended use. It will also beunderstood that the sponge may be made of any sponge-like material Forexample, it may be natural sponge, expanded cellulose or polyurethanefoam. If desired, the sponge may be dyed a suitable color.

The embodiment of the invention depicted in FIG. 3 is a sponge 20 havingan abrasive surface. The main body 22 of the sponge is comprised of asoft, sponge-like material having incorporated therein the cleansing anddisinfecting composition of the invention. Cemented or otherwise affixedto one face of main body 22 of the sponge is a porous abrasive material23. Sponge 20 is depicted as being rectangular in shape but, asdiscussed above in connection with FIG. 2, the shape and size may vary.In a preferred embodiment, main body 22 of the sponge may be comprisedof a soft polymeric foam such as polyurethane foam; and the porousabrasive material 23 is a nylon hose (or suitable material) having thecleansing and disinfecting composition incorporated therein. Usually,the volume of main body 22 of the sponge 20 is much greater than that ofthe porous abrasive material 23. In practice, it is necessary only thatthe porous abrasive material 23 be thick enough not to wear out untilthe cleansing and disinfecting composition incorporated in sponge 20 hasbeen exhausted.

The invention will be more clearly perceived and better understood fromthe following specific examples.

EXAMPLE 1

Various cleansing and disinfecting compositions were prepared bycombining the following dry and liquid components in variousproportions. The dry component was comprised, on a weight basis, of 30%kaolinite, 24% attapulgite, 6% bentonite and 40% sodium percarbonate.The liquid component was an aqueous solution containing 1% by weight ofdidecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (DDDM), 0.1% by weight of the linearalkoxylate "TRITON X-100", and 15% by weight of butyl carbitol, asolvent that is miscible with both water and non-polar solvents.

The three clays, kaolinite, attapulgite and bentonite were combined andmixed thoroughly. The sodium percarbonate was blended into the combinedclays to form a loose, homogeneous powder. When 2-4 ml. of the liquidcomponent were added to 1 g. of the dry component, a fluid cream withdesirable rheologic properties for use with a dispensing mechanism wasobtained. For use on non-porous surfaces and for brush application, aratio of 1 g. of the dry component to 1 ml. of the liquid component issatisfactory. For use on porous materials and on fabrics, as well as foruse in squeeze type dispensers, a ratio of 1 g. of the dry component to4 ml. of the liquid component is preferred.

EXAMPLE 2

A dry component comprising 75.8% by weight of sodium percarbonate, 22.7%by weight of tetradecyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride ("DIBACTOL"),and 1.5% by weight of sodium lauryl sulfate was prepared. A cleansingand disinfecting solution was prepared by dissolving 1 part by weight ofthe foregoing dry component in 15 parts by weight of water. Theresulting solution may be applied to the material to be cleansed ordisinfected by brushing, spraying or immersion.

EXAMPLE 3

A dry, powdered mixture comprising 77% by weight of sodium percarbonateand 23% by weight of the quaternary ammonium salt "DIBACTOL" wasprepared. The powdered mixture was introduced into an absorbent materialsuch as a polyurethane foam, cellulose or cotton, which had beenpreviously impregnated with a 20% by weight solution in isopropanol ofthe alkylphenol ethoxylate surfactant "ICONOL OP-10". The isopropanolsolvent was allowed to evaporate. The resultant pad or sponge wasactivated by being wet with water and used to scrub or wipe, withoccasional rinsing, the area to be cleansed or disinfected.

EXAMPLE 4

Sodium percarbonate was mixed with various liquid components comprisingan aqueous solution of a quaternary ammonium salt and a surfactant, andthe resultant decontaminating solutions were tested in thedecontamination of a toxic chemical in a liquid polymer and a toxicchemical in a chlorinated hydrocarbon solvent. The decontaminatingsolutions were prepared by dissolving 0.4 g. of sodium percarbonate in 4ml. of each of the liquid components. The toxic chemical compositionswere 0.1 g. of benzene sulfonyl chloride in 10 g. ofpolymethylmethacrylate and 0.1 g. of "MALATHION" in 10 ml. ofchloroform. The following table shows the weight percents of surfactantsand quaternary ammonium salts in the various aqueous liquid components.The table also shows the residual activity of the toxic chemical aftertreatment with the various decontaminating solutions for a period of 5minutes.

    ______________________________________                                                       Residual Toxic Activity                                                         Toxic Chemical                                                                            Toxic Chemical                                                    in Liquid   in Chlorinated                                   Aqueous Liquid Components                                                                      Polymer     Hydrocarbon                                      ______________________________________                                        0.1% "TRITON X-100" +                                                                          negligible* moderate**                                       1% DDDM                                                                       0.1% "TRITON X-100" +                                                                          negligible  negligible                                       1% DDDM +                                                                     15% butyl carbitol                                                            0.1% "TRITON X-100" +                                                                          negligible  moderate                                         1% "DIBACTOL"                                                                 0.1% "TRITON X-100" +                                                                          negligible  negligible.                                      1% "DIBACTOL" +                                                               15% butyl carbitol                                                            ______________________________________                                         *negligible: 1 g.                                                             **moderate: 5 g.                                                         

The foregoing data illustrate the efficacy of the compositions of thisinvention as decontaminating agents for toxic chemicals.

EXAMPLE 5

The dry component of Example 1 was mixed with the same liquid componentsshown in Example 4, and the resultant compositions were tested in thedecontamination of a toxic chemical in a liquid polymer and a toxicchemical in a chlorinated hydrocarbon solvent. The decontaminatingcompositions were prepared by mixing 1 g. of the dry component with 4ml. of each of the liquid components. The toxic chemical compositions inliquid polymer and in chlorinated hydrocarbon were the same as thosedescribed in Example 4. The following table shows the weight percents ofsurfactants and quaternary ammonium salts in the various aqueous liquidcomponents. The table also shows the residual activity of the toxicchemical after treatment with the various decontaminating compositionsfor a period of 5 minutes.

    ______________________________________                                                       Residual Toxic Activity                                                         Toxic Chemical                                                                            Toxic Chemical                                                    in Liquid   in Chlorinated                                   Aqueous Liquid Components                                                                      Polymer     Hydrocarbon                                      ______________________________________                                        0.1% "TRITON X-100" +                                                                          negligible* negligible                                       1% DDDM                                                                       0.1% "TRITON X-100" +                                                                          negligible  negligible                                       1% DDDM +                                                                     15% butyl carbitol                                                            0.1% "TRITON X-100" +                                                                          negligible  negligible                                       1% "DIBACTOL"                                                                 0.1% "TRITON X-100" +                                                                          negligible  negligible.                                      1% "DIBACTOL" +                                                               15% butyl carbitol                                                            ______________________________________                                         *negligible: 1 μg.                                                    

The foregoing illustrates the efficacy of the clay-containingcompositions of this invention as decontaminating agents for toxicchemicals.

EXAMPLE 6

A cleansing and disinfecting composition according to this invention wasprepared by combining the following dry component and liquid component.The dry component was prepared by mixing 30% by weight of kaolinite, 24%by weight of attapulgite, 6% by weight of bentonite, 30% by weight ofsodium percarbonate and 10% by weight of calcium peroxide. The liquidcomponent was an aqueous solution containing 1% by weight of DDDM and0.1% by weight of "TRITON X-100".

A 50% by weight solution of the pesticide "MALATHION" in xylene wasdiluted with xylene and placed on watch glasses so as to cover twoone-inch square surfaces. Evaporation of the xylene left a 50 mg.residue of "MALATHION" on each watch glass. In triplicate runs, a slurryof 1 g. of the above dry component in 3 ml. of the above liquidcomponent was brushed onto the watch glass and left in place for 5minutes. Each of the three samples was then extracted with chloroform.

The cholinesterase test described by Kramer and Gamson in Anal. Chem.,30, 251 (1958) was used to test for the presence of "MALATHION". A blankconsisting of a xylene/chloroform solution was placed on the enzymestrip to ensure that there were no interfering substances in eithersolvent. The xylene solution of "MALATHION" that was placed on the watchglasses was placed on an enzyme strip and gave a positive test, i.e.,the enzyme was inhibited. The three chloroform extracts from the treatedwatch glasses were placed on enzyme strips and, in each case, the enzymewas not inhibited. This indicates that, not only was the "MALATHION"decontaminated by the cleansing composition, but the oxidation productsof "MALATHION" were not inhibitory to the enzyme.

EXAMPLE 7

Sodium percarbonate solutions of various concentrations were prepared bydissolving varying quantities of sodium percarbonate in water. Culturesof Streptococcus faecalis were treated for 10 and 20 minutes with thesesolutions at 25° C. and 40° C., and the percent reduction in bacteriawas determined in each case. The results are shown in the followingtable.

    ______________________________________                                        Sodium                                                                        Percarbonate                                                                           H.sub.2 O.sub.2 in                                                   in Solution                                                                            Solution    Temp.   % Reduction in Bacteria                          (ppm)    (m. mol.)   °C.                                                                            10 min. 20 min.                                  ______________________________________                                         0 ppm   0      m. mol.  25° C.                                                                       64.8%   53.6%                                  379 ppm  3.1    m. mol.  25° C.                                                                       69.6%   98.8%                                  758 ppm  6.2    m. mol.  25° C.                                                                       84.3%   99.9999%                               1515 ppm 12.5   m. mol.  25° C.                                                                       99.1%   99.9999%                               758 ppm  6.2    m. mol.  40° C.                                                                       99.9999%                                                                              99.9999%                               ______________________________________                                    

The above data show that an aqueous solution of the per-salt sodiumpercarbonate is an effective disinfectant whose effectiveness isenhanced by increased contact time, elevated temperature and increasedsodium percarbonate concentration.

EXAMPLE 8

Polyurethane surgical scrub brushes (2 in.×3 in.×1 in.) were prepared byforming interior pockets and inserting varying amounts of the powderedmixture of Example 3. After the powdered mixture was added, theincisions in the sponges were sealed with plastic adhesive. Both sidesof each sponge were then impregnated with 1 ml. of a 20% by weightsolution of "ICONOL OP-10" in isoproponol. The isopropanol solvent wasthen allowed to evaporate. The peroxide content was measured on sixsequential water washings of 60 ml. each over a 10 minute period,mimicking a standard pre-operative scrub procedure. Each 60 ml. washingwas collected and the peroxide content determined by permanganatetitration. The results, illustrated in FIG. 1, indicate a timed releaseof peroxide by the dissolution of the sodium percarbonate. The treatedsurgical scrub sponges are seen to provide effective anti-microbialperoxide activity with repeated washing.

EXAMPLE 9

The dry component of Example 1 was mixed with aqueous solutionscontaining varying amounts of a quaternary ammonium salt phase-transferagent and the resultant decontaminating compositions were used to treatvarious substrates contaminated with benzene sulfonyl chloride. In eachcase, 1.0 g. of the dry component of Example 1 was mixed with 1.0 ml. ofan aqueous solution of the phase-transfer agent and the resultantdecontaminating composition brought into contact with the substrate for10 minutes. The following table gives the phase-transfer agent used, itsconcentration in the original aqueous solution, the substrate treatedand the residual toxic contaminant on the substrate after treatment.

    ______________________________________                                                Concen-                                                                              Substrate                                                      Phase     tration                     Greasy                                  Transfer Agent                                                                          (ppm)    Chloroform                                                                              Cloth   Cloth                                    ______________________________________                                        DDDM      10,000   negligible                                                                              negligible                                                                            negligible                               DDDM       1,000   very weak negligible                                                                            negligible                               DDDM        100    very weak negligible                                                                            negligible                               DDDM         10    strong    negligible                                                                            negligible                               Tetrabutyl                                                                              10,000   negligible                                                                              negligible                                                                            very weak                                Ammonium                                                                      Hydrogen                                                                      Sulfate                                                                       Tetrabutyl                                                                               1,000   weak      negligible                                                                            very weak                                Ammonium                                                                      Hydrogen                                                                      Sulfate                                                                       Tetrabutyl                                                                                100    moderate  negligible                                                                            very weak                                Ammonium                                                                      Hydrogen                                                                      Sulfate                                                                       Tetrabutyl                                                                                 10    strong    very weak                                                                             very weak                                Ammonium                                                                      Hydrogen                                                                      Sulfate                                                                       ______________________________________                                         wherein, negligible 1 μg.                                                  very weak ca. 1-2 μg.                                                      weak ca. 2-3 μg.                                                           moderate ca. 3-5 μg.                                                       strong 5 μg.                                                          

The foregoing data illustrate the effectiveness of the decontaminatingcompositions of this invention against toxic chemicals in varioussubstrates.

Thus, the instant invention provides cleansing and disinfectingcompositions that find utility in health care, as disinfectants insurgical applications and as cleansing and decontaminating agents. Thecompositions of the invention are characterized by not being irritatingto the skin, by not having an offensive or irritating odor, by not beingcorrosive, by having excellent stability, and by being highly effectivecleansing and disinfecting agents.

Depending on the end use, the compositions of the invention may becompounded in various forms. For example, they may be used as bulkpowders or compressed into tablets. The compositions may also beincorporated into soaps. The components of the compositions may be mixedwith a liquid such as water or an alcohol to form a cleansing anddisinfecting cream or solution. In one embodiment of the invention, thecleansing and disinfecting composition is incorporated into an absorbentmaterial such as a cotton pad, a fabric pad or a sponge. In a preferredembodiment, the impregnated sponge has an abrasive surface.

The impregnated sponges of the invention are effective against a widevariety of stains, may be stored almost indefinitely, and are activatedby the addition of water. They are portable and lend themselves to beingdispensed for on-the-spot use. Moreover, they are versatile, beingeffective stain and spot removers, degreasers, deodorizers andsanitizers on substrates such as fabrics, walls, clothing and rugs. Theyeffectively remove stains such as inks, vegetable stains, coffee, tea,mustard and oil. Moreover, they remove mold and mildew and prevent theirrecurrence. In addition, they chemically neutralize odors and preventthe formation of foul smells by killing bacteria and fungus.

While specific embodiments of the present invention have been shown anddescribed in detail to illustrate the inventive principles, it is to beunderstood that such showing and description have been offered only byway of example and not by way of limitation. Protection by LettersPatent of this invention in all its aspects as the same are set forth inthe appended claims is sought to the broadest extent that the prior artallows.

What is claimed is:
 1. A sponge impregnated with a cleansing anddisinfecting composition, wherein said composition is dry and wateractivated and comprises an alkaline water-soluble salt having hydrogenperoxide of crystallization, a positively charged phase transfer agentwherein said water-soluble salt is selected from the group consisting ofpercarbonates, persilicates, perbonates and pyrophosphates, and whereinsaid phase-transfer agent is selected from the group consisting ofquaternary ammonium salts, phosphonium salts and sufonium salts, and asurfactant.
 2. The impregnated sponge of claim 1, wherein saidsurfactant is selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants,cationic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, and mixtures thereof.
 3. Theimpregnated sponge of claim 2, wherein said alkaline water-soluble salthaving hydrogen peroxide of crystallization is sodium percarbonate. 4.The impregnated sponge of claim 3, wherein said positively chargedphase-transfer agent is a quaternary ammonium salt having hydrocarbylgroups totaling approximately 6 to approximately 30 carbons on thequaternary nitrogen.
 5. The impregnated sponge of claim 4, wherein saidquaternary ammonium salt has hydrocarbyl groups totaling approximately 8to approximately 25 carbons on the quaternary nitrogen.
 6. Theimpregnated sponge of claim 5, wherein said cleansing and disinfectingcomposition comprises approximately 10% to 90% by weight of sodiumpercarbonate, a fraction of a percent to approximately 30% by weight ofsaid quaternary ammonium salt, and approximately 1% to 20% by weight ofsurfactant.
 7. The impregnated sponge of claim 6, wherein said cleansingand disinfecting composition comprises approximately 20% to 77% byweight of sodium percarbonate, approximately 1% to 23% by weight of saidquaternary ammonium salt, and approximately 1.0% to 15.1% by weight ofsaid surfactant.
 8. The impregnated sponge of claim 7, wherein saidsurfactant is selected from the group consisting of a linear alkoxylate,an alkylphenol ethoxylate, sodium lauryl sulfate, and mixtures thereof.9. The impregnated sponge of claim 3, wherein two of the hydrocarbylgroups on the quaternary nitrogen are selected from the group consistingof alkyl groups of one to about three carbons, aralkyl groups, andcombinations thereof; and the remaining two hydrocarbyl groups are longchain aliphatic groups such that the total carbons on said nitrogen arenot in excess of about thirty.
 10. The impregnated sponge of claim 9,wherein the total carbons on said nitrogen are not in excess of abouttwenty-five.
 11. The impregnated sponge of claim 8, wherein saidquaternary ammonium salt is selected from the group consisting ofdidecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, tetradecyl dimethyl benzyl ammoniumchloride, tetrabutyl ammonium hydrogen sulfate, and mixtures thereof.12. A surgical sponge impregnated with a cleansing and disinfectingcomposition, wherein said composition comprises sodium percarbonate,tetradecyl dimethyl ammonuim chloride and an alkylphenol ethoxylate. 13.The impregnated sponge of claim 1, wherein one surface thereof iscomprised of kaolinite, attapulgite, bentonite and mixtures thereof, aporous abrasive and activating material.
 14. The impregnated sponge ofclaim 1, wherein one surface thereof is comprised of kaolinite,attapulgite, bentonite and mixtures thereof, a porous abrasive andactivating material.
 15. The impregnated sponge of claim 1, wherein onesurface thereof is comprised of kaolinite, attapulgite, bentonite andmixtures thereof, a porous abrasive and activating material.
 16. Theimpregnated sponge of claim 1, wherein one surface thereof is comprisedof kaolinite, attapulgite, bentonite and mixtures thereof, a porousabrasive and activating material.
 17. The impregnated sponge of claim 2,wherein one surface thereof is comprised of kaolinite, attapulgite,bentonite and mixtures thereof, a porous abrasive and activatingmaterial.
 18. The impregnated sponge of claim 3, wherein one surfacethereof is comprised of kaolinite, attapulgite, bentonite and mixturesthereof, a porous abrasive and activating material.
 19. The impregnatedsponge of claim 4, wherein one surface thereof is comprised ofkaolinite, attapulgite, bentonite and mixtures thereof, a porousabrasive and activating material.
 20. The impregnated sponge of claim 5,wherein one surface thereof is comprised of kaolinite, attapulgite,bentonite and mixtures thereof, a porous abrasive and activatingmaterial.
 21. The impregnated sponge of claim 6, wherein one surfacethereof is comprised of kaolinite, attapulgite, bentonite and mixturesthereof, a porous abrasive and activating material.
 22. The impregnatedsponge of claim 7, wherein one surface thereof is comprised ofkaolinite, attapulgite, bentonite and mixtures thereof, a porousabrasive and activating material.
 23. The impregnated sponge of claim 8,wherein one surface thereof is comprised of kaolinite, attapulgite,bentonite and mixtures thereof, a porous abrasive and activatingmaterial.
 24. The impregnated sponge of claim 9, wherein one surfacethereof is comprised of kaolinite, attapulgite, bentonite and mixturesthereof, a porous abrasive and activating material.
 25. The impregnatedsponge of claim 10, wherein one surface thereof is comprised ofkaolinite, attapulgite, bentonite and mixtures thereof, a porousabrasive and activating material.
 26. The impregnated sponge of claim11, wherein one surface thereof is comprised of kaolinite, attapulgite,bentonite and mixtures thereof, a porous abrasive and activatingmaterial.